Phalotris
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| Phalotris | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Phalotris matogrossensis | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Dipsadinae |
| Genus: | Phalotris Cope, 1862 |
Phalotris is a genus of snakes in the subfamily Dipsadinae of the family Colubridae. All species of the genus Phalotris are native to South America.[1] The specific name, mertensi, is in honor of German herpetologist Robert Mertens.[2] The specific name, normanscotti, is in honor of Norman Scott, Jr., in recognition of his contribution to the knowledge of the herpetofauna of Paraguay.[3]
The venom of the genus Phalotris was poorly characterized, due to the low amount produced by snakes of the family Colubridae. A more detailed characterization of particularly interesting proteins could only be viable by obtaining recombinant proteins. However, there is a report of an incident of snakebite by a Phalotris, which resulted in headache, local and oral mucosa hemorrhage, edema, and renal failure. Another incident report occurred with a 37-year-old biologist, whose symptoms were immediate local pain, bleeding, and edema. A few hours later, there was headache, systemic hemorrhage, fever, myalgia, and dark urine. A study of the venom of Phalotris mertensi showed a myotoxic action three times greater than Bothrops jararaca.[4][5]